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Living in the present is smart at any age

Don't waste precious time being miserable

By Nedda Simon

Aug. 21, 2018

Wildlife gives us a nice, surprising gift when we really are watching. A gray fox appeared in our orchard Monday. We have pears and apples fallen from the trees, and sure enough, he trotted away into the corn with a pear. He looked scraggly, but I am assured that foxes look this way in early fall. I hope he comes again.

Life gives us hard times, and we wonder just how long this can go on. Tired and feeling alone, sure enough, here comes a fox into our lives. Reminding us to just wait it out. Of course, if things need to be changed, do it.

We are sometimes sure that if others would change, things would be better. Really?! This calls for an inventory of how we see things and other people.

I know that our circle of friends and acquaintance is getting smaller, but this allows us to focus on our outlook. We are not that busy, that we can’t reflect on our emotional well-being and learn to forgive more and let go of nonsense feelings. Resentments, anger, jealousy, and not enjoying the time we have.

Think about it. I don’t want to waste a single day being miserable. It is not a morbid thought at all. Living in the present is smart at any age.

By the way, what is this, “I’m so busy!” all about. Is that calling for an award or prize of some kind? Maybe we shouldn’t be so busy. Maybe our feelings and mind need some cleaning.

Grief can get us on a treadmill so we stay numb. Reflection and quiet time is good for children, why not older folks? Of course, things might bubble up, but that causes me to look at it and deal with it or kick it out forever.

Of course, some would say that is wasting precious time. For me, quiet time energizes me.

Give a caregiver a hug and have a real conversation with them. Listen to what they have to say, and you don’t need to respond. Just listen and tell them they are doing a good job. Tell them something funny that happened or a good story you know they would enjoy. Laughter is so healing.

Take care of yourselves, and I know you all will be kind.

Note to readers: Nedda Simon of rural Princeton can be reached at neddasimon@ymail.com.